Pokémon 3: Le Sort des Zarbi

Pokémon 3: The Movie – Spell of the Unown: Entei
A Heartfelt Journey Through Illusion and Reality

When Pokémon 3: The Movie – Spell of the Unown: Entei hit theaters in 2000, it wasn’t just another addition to the franchise—it was a poignant exploration of grief, imagination, and the power of family. Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama and produced by OLM, Inc., this third installment in the Pokémon film series took Ash Ketchum and his friends Misty and Brock on an adventure unlike any other, blending fantasy with raw emotion in a way that still resonates with fans today.

The story centers on Molly Hale, a young girl whose world is shattered when her archaeologist father disappears while researching the mysterious Unown Pokémon. Desperate for comfort, Molly accidentally unleashes the Unown, who grant her every wish by creating an illusionary world where her father is replaced by the legendary Pokémon Entei. As this dream realm begins to merge with reality, Ash must confront Entei to save his mother, Delia, who has been taken hostage, and help Molly distinguish between fantasy and the truth she’s been avoiding.

What makes Spell of the Unown stand out is its focus on Molly’s emotional journey. Unlike previous films, which often prioritized action and legendary Pokémon battles, this entry delves into the pain of loss and the danger of living in a fantasy. The Unown, with their crystalline forms and eerie collective consciousness, serve as a metaphor for unresolved grief—powerful, unpredictable, and capable of warping reality to protect those who can’t let go. Entei, though initially a menacing figure, is revealed to be a manifestation of Molly’s longing, adding layers of complexity to the film’s villains.

Visually, the movie is a feast for the eyes. The illusionary world created by the Unown is a surreal landscape of floating castles and shifting skies, a stark contrast to the grounded, natural settings of the Pokémon anime. The animation team at OLM, Inc. outdid themselves with dynamic battle sequences—particularly the climactic showdown between Entei and Ash’s Charizard—and expressive character designs that capture Molly’s vulnerability and Ash’s determination.

But it’s the film’s emotional core that has left a lasting impact. Fans often praise Spell of the Unown for its mature themes, with many noting how it taught them about coping with loss as children. “I cried so hard when Molly realizes her father isn’t coming back,” one Reddit user回忆道. “It was the first time a Pokémon movie made me think about real-life feelings.” Another fan on MyAnimeList wrote, “The scene where Entei says, ‘I am here,’ still gives me chills—it’s not just a line; it’s a promise that even in grief, we’re not alone.”

Critics also lauded the film for its storytelling depth. Roger Ebert, in his review, called it “a surprisingly touching tale about the importance of facing reality,” while Anime News Network praised its “balance of action and heart.” The voice acting, too, was a highlight: Lisa Ortiz’s performance as Molly is tender and gut-wrenching, capturing the confusion of a child caught between two worlds, while Dan Green brings warmth to Entei’s paternal role.

Spell of the Unown isn’t without its flaws. Some fans felt the pacing was slow compared to earlier films, and the resolution—where Molly accepts her father’s absence—was criticized for being too abrupt. However, these minor issues don’t overshadow the film’s strengths. It remains a fan favorite, often ranked among the best Pokémon movies for its emotional resonance and innovative storytelling.

Twenty-four years later, Pokémon 3: The Movie – Spell of the Unown: Entei continues to captivate audiences. It’s a reminder that even in a world of magical creatures and epic battles, the most powerful stories are those that touch the heart. For anyone who’s ever clung to a fantasy to escape pain, this film is a gentle nudge to embrace reality—and the love that’s still there, even when it’s not what we imagined.

In the end, Spell of the Unown isn’t just about Pokémon—it’s about growing up, letting go, and finding strength in the truth. And in a franchise that’s all about adventure, that’s a message worth remembering.

Rating: ★★★★☆
A must-watch for Pokémon fans and anyone who appreciates stories that blend fantasy with real emotion.